Question

select the lewis structure that most accurately represents methane (ch₄).

Explanation:

Step1: Recall methane structure

Methane ($CH_4$) has a carbon - atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms with single covalent bonds.

Step2: Analyze Lewis - structure rules

Carbon has 4 valence electrons and hydrogen has 1. Each bond represents a pair of electrons.

Step3: Evaluate options

The correct Lewis - structure should have carbon in the center with single bonds to 4 hydrogen atoms.

Answer:

The structure with a carbon atom in the center and single bonds to four hydrogen atoms (the first and third structures shown in the image if they are correct representations of single - bonded $CH_4$) is the correct Lewis structure for methane.